Hegemonic gender and Australian Women's mothering aspirations. (March 2021) - Bugden, Megan
Abstract: This paper argues that hegemonic gender structures operate at individual, cultural and organisational levels to shape, reinforce and constrain Australian women's mothering aspirations. The authors provide a theoretical discussion of prominent models of gender, highlighting the similarities and differences. Hegemonic femininity and masculinity are explored in relation to the establishment and reinforcement of the gender order. Lastly, these theories are used to demonstrate how Australian women's mothering aspirations are influenced by hegemonic gender structures, rather than solely individual agency-level factors or material resources. Highlights: Motherhood and women's experiences of mothering can be better understood and challenged through the lens of gender hegemony Gender structures at an individual, cultural and organisational level shape Australian women's mothering aspirations The institution of motherhood is central to hegemonic gender functions